Backpacker [1-year]

Besides the great pictures, Backpacker is also excellent for its product testing and for its advice and educational material. Backpacks, mountain bikes, tents, and so forth might seem like simple products, but you would be surprised at how many different varieties and options are available for this type of merchandise. Backpacker describes different items available for sale, complete with web site address and phone# so you can make a purchase, and it often conducts tests to see how the different products stack up. It also offers educational material on the sport of backpacking and general advice on such topics as food, exercise, proper nutrition, first aid, etc.

Backpacker averages between 90 and 120 pages in total length and it's published 9 times per year (three of the issues combine two months into one). It's one of the few special interest magazines I have read that has something to offer most anyone. Even if you don't like hiking, there is still a good chance you will enjoy thumbing through the pages of Backpacker, if nothing else, just to enjoy the great photography.

Overall, this is an outstanding outdoor publication. The articles, the personal stories, the advice, the photos, and the educational material all add up to a perfect magazine for anyone who loves to partake in outdoor activity or who just enjoys looking at the stunning photos. 5+ stars to Backpacker!


Devious renewal policy   September 3, 2008
Randy
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

This publication has gone to an assumed automatic renewal - with no choice by the subscriber. Since I didn't agree to this arrangement I didn't bother to respond. The next thing I knew, I was receiving a collection notice.


Not just for backpackers   November 13, 2002
Eric W. Sullender (Portland, OR USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This magazine covers a lot more than just backpacking. It is a valuable reference for all types of outdoor pursuits. The travel destination suggestions are creative, but seem a bit unreasonable if you are not stocked up with vacation time. The gear reviews are thorough and fair, but could be more extensive in terms of the number of manufacturers and models tested. The fitness advice, while directed mostly to walking a trail carrying a load, can easily be generalized to keep you in shape. Backpacker doesn't contain as many narratives as some of the other outdoor magazines, but this can be taken as either a positive or negative.

Even with these criticisms it is still a great magazine. If you like to do stuff outdoors in any season I highly suggest it. It will open your eyes to other activities you can try, places you can go, and gear you can use.

I've only been a reader for one year, but over the course of that year I've been nothing but impressed by this magazine. I just renewed my subscription for a second year.


Where Else will you get in Depth Analysis of Duct Tape?   May 21, 2005
Stanford Gibson (West Sacramento, CA USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I'm not much of a magazine guy, but I must confess I am thoroughly addicted to this one. It is smart, fun, helpful, inspiring and well written. Content usually includes: a backcountry skill, a lightweight tip, a couple underrated destinations, caring for some body part that is troublesome when backpacking, backcountry food ideas, as well as a number of other brief tips, debates (e.g. deodorant, worth the weight?) trail suggestions and commentaries. There are also always extensive gear reviews (and an annual dedicated issue) that I could do without, but I'm sure are helpful to gear addicts. Oh, and the photography is fantastic. On the whole this is a great little publication that really accentuates the backpacking experience and allows you to live it vicariously when you are not able to get to the mountains.